The BJP is contemplating the possibility of nominating star cricketer Mohammad Shami from Bengal in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, sources told India Today TV.
Shami represents Bengal in the Ranji Trophy and continues to play domestic cricket for the state.
Sources said that the BJP leadership has reached out to Shami with the proposal. However, the cricketer is yet to make a decision.
Currently, Shami is on a break to recover from a recent surgery.
PM Modi wished him a speedy recovery after the pacer confirmed his surgery.
Shami hasn't played cricket since India's ODI World Cup campaign, when he helped the team reach the final by taking 24 wickets in seven matches at an average of 10.70 and a strike rate of 12.20.
Following the loss in the World Cup finals against Australia, PM Modi individually met all the players and consoled them.
He praised Mohammad Shami for his sensational performance in the tournament and hugged the player.
The video from the cricket team’s dressing room went viral.
Shami also met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Apart from this, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had announced the construction of a cricket stadium in Shami's native village in Amroha.
According to top BJP sources, Shami was proposed as a candidate for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in West Bengal, and discussions have been positive. Internal discussions within the BJP suggest that fielding Shami could assist the party in securing victories in minority-dominated constituencies in Bengal.
The primary focus, according to BJP sources, is to field Shami from the Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency, which has been in the news after the Sandeshkhali village within its boundaries witnessed violence.
Source: India Today